One bad mistake can lead to a heap of trouble, including criminal charges if an illegal act was committed. If you have been arrested for a crime in Illinois, you may be wondering what to expect if you have not had any previous experience with the criminal justice system. Under Illinois law, an accused individual can be kept in custody, released on his or her own recognizance, or released on bail. If released on bail, a bond must be paid, which ensures the defendant’s appearance for future court dates and compliance with any other conditions of release. Typically, once a criminal case is over, 10 percent of the money posted is awarded to the clerk for the costs of posting bond. When someone posts bail, he or she must comply with certain restrictions or conditions of the bail bond. A violation of these rules can lead to further criminal charges. 

Bail Bond Restrictions

In cases where a person is eligible for bail, the judge will usually consider the defendant’s past criminal history, the nature of the offense, the likelihood of him or her fleeing, and the risk he or she poses to others. A few of the most common terms of bail in Illinois include:

• Appearing at all court dates

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Criminal charges can take many forms based on the severity of the offense. Recent legislation made recreational marijuana use legal for those over the age of 21 in Illinois. However, most other controlled substances are illegal, and they can carry stiff punishments for those who commit a drug crime. Although the United States has been fighting the war on drugs for a long time, these types of offenses continue across the country. According to crime statistics from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), there were 1.6 million arrests made for drug crimes in 2018, a number that has increased every year since 2015, after declining in the prior decade. If you or someone you know is facing any type of drug charges, it can ruin your personal and professional life. Therefore, it is imperative that you hire a criminal defense attorney who is well-versed in Illinois drug laws to help you obtain a positive outcome.

Illinois Drug Laws

Adults who reside in Illinois may possess up to 30 grams of cannabis flower, 5 grams of cannabis concentrate, and up to 500 milligrams of THC in a cannabis-infused product. If an individual possesses more than 30 grams of marijuana but less than 100 grams, it is a Class A misdemeanor. This crime carries a maximum sentence of one year in prison and up to $2,500 in fines. For second or subsequent offenses, the charge can be elevated to a Class 4 felony with 1-3 years in jail in addition to a fine up to $25,000. The penalties increase depending on the amount of the substances involved. 

Those who are convicted for possession with the intent to deliver or sell face much harsher penalties than those who were charged with simple possession. Depending on the amount of the illegal substance, the crime could be charged as a Class 3 or X felony.

Most criminal acts have significant legal consequences in an effort to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Although any crime is serious, those against children are punished severely throughout the United States, including Illinois. There are many different offenses that constitute a crime against a child, and it is important to understand what they are. Otherwise, you could be facing steep fines and a lengthy prison term. In some cases, you may unintentionally commit a criminal act without realizing it was illegal. In other scenarios, you could be wrongfully accused of a crime by your ex-spouse who is seeking revenge after your divorce. A skilled criminal defense attorney can help determine the best course of action for your situation based on the details of your charges. 

Illinois Laws to Protect Minors

Under Illinois law, an individual can face harsh penalties for causing a significant risk of harm to children. While many of those accused are guilty of the crimes with which they are charged, some may be innocent. Here are several examples of crimes against minors and their corresponding punishments: 

• Child endangerment: The law defines child endangerment as causing or permitting the life or health of a child under the age of 18 to be endangered, or placing a child in a situation that endangers his or her life or health. This may include leaving a child in a vehicle or home unattended, driving while intoxicated with a minor in the car, and using drugs in front of a child. In Illinois, child endangerment is typically charged as a Class A misdemeanor in Illinois. Probation may be possible if the person convicted is the child’s parent. Two or more convictions are Class 3 felonies. 

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The rules of the road are put in place to keep everyone safe, including car and truck drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists. When someone violates a traffic law, he or she may be subject to a traffic ticket. Speeding or failure to stop or yield are examples of common reasons an individual might be issued a traffic ticket by law enforcement in Illinois. Other, more serious traffic violations could result in an arrest and criminal charges, such as driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol. A conviction for DUI can result in loss of driving privileges, which can directly affect a person’s way of life. Depending on the circumstances, a driver may have several legal options, such as paying a fine, going to court to fight the ticket, or attending traffic school. If you are facing any charges related to a traffic violation, an experienced attorney can represent your best interests and help you achieve a positive outcome.    

Driving Is a Privilege, Not a Right

Many people believe that operating a vehicle is a privilege, not a guaranteed right. Therefore, it should be taken seriously in order to not put anyone in danger or harm’s way. Obtaining a driver’s license in Illinois requires residents to complete classroom training, a certain number of driving hours behind the wheel, and a written test. Once they have their license, they are responsible for obeying the traffic laws.

In many cases, a minor traffic violation can be resolved without going to court if the driver pays the fine and admits guilt. However, this will typically result in a conviction on the driver’s record. A driver may prefer to have a court hearing to work out a negotiated plea deal. Court appearances are mandatory for certain traffic offenses, such as DUI, reckless driving, and driving without a valid license or proof of insurance. It is also important to note that in Illinois, it is illegal to text or use a cell phone in any form while driving.

The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects citizens’ rights to keep and bear arms. Although gun rights can be quite controversial, many people believe that it is important to defend themselves in the event they are ever attacked. Certain states have their own laws pertaining to concealed or open carry of handguns. Currently, open carry is not legal in the state of Illinois. Concealed carry refers to carrying a firearm or other weapon in public in a concealed or hidden manner. 

Illinois gun owners must first obtain a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card before they can qualify for a concealed carry license (CCL). Once they have this permit, they must obey a strict set of regulations in order to keep their firearm. Not only can a violation lead to losing their license, but spending on the circumstances, an offender can face criminal charges, with penalties that include jail time and costly fines. 

Illinois Gun Laws

Under Illinois law, a valid FOID card is necessary to purchase and possess a gun in the state. Those individuals who own a FOID but who do not have a CCL are still permitted to transport guns as long as they are unloaded and enclosed in a case, firearm carrying box, shipping box, or another type of container. The Illinois State Police issues FOID cards, which are valid for 10 years.